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Basalt Cladding and Glulam Structures Harmonizing with Iceland's Volcanic Landscape in a Community Café

Author:
Anna Wyka
Basalt Cladding and Glulam Structures Harmonizing with Iceland's Volcanic Landscape in a Community Café

Project in-detail

Constructed with basalt cladding and glulam timber, the café seamlessly integrates with the volcanic landscape of Iceland, offering a communal space that fosters connection and appreciation for the natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced basalt cladding to blend with the volcanic landscape.
02
Features glulam timber for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth throughout the interior.
03
Incorporates large windows for maximizing natural light and framing views of the surrounding nature.
04
The irregular layout mimics natural forms, enhancing the connection between the building and landscape.
05
Designed as a community hub, encouraging social interaction and environmental awareness initiatives.

The Marimo Coffee Shop is a carefully designed architectural project located near Lake Mývatn in Iceland. This building serves as a coffee shop and community hub, integrating with the natural landscape while offering a unique space for visitors. The architecture aims to create a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment, utilizing forms and materials that reflect the characteristics of the Icelandic terrain.

Architectural elements such as flowing shapes and soft contours characterize the design of the Marimo Coffee Shop. The layout promotes an interactive experience between the interior and the exterior, inviting visitors to engage with the landscape. The structure comprises distinct zones, including service areas and seating spaces, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

Unique Design Approaches and Materiality

One of the defining aspects of the Marimo Coffee Shop is its innovative material selection, which includes basalt aggregate concrete, basalt concrete cladding, glulam timber, structural glass, and gravel roofing. These materials are chosen not only for their durability but also for their aesthetic compatibility with the local geology. The use of basalt aggregate concrete and cladding reflects the volcanic rock formations of the region, ensuring that the building maintains a visual connection with its surroundings.

The architectural design employs an irregular layout that mimics organic patterns found in nature. This approach distinguishes the project from traditional coffee shop designs, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the landscape. Large windows and skylights enhance the interior space with natural light and views of the dramatic scenery, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity with the environment.

Environmental Considerations and Community Integration

Sustainability is a key component of the Marimo Coffee Shop’s design. The building utilizes locally sourced materials and considers ecological aspects of site planning. The orientation and positioning of the structure take into account prevailing winds and climatic conditions, providing protection while maximizing views for the visitors.

This project serves as more than a coffee shop; it functions as a community engagement space, where locals and tourists can gather, share experiences, and participate in environmental education initiatives. The architectural layout promotes social interaction, making it a significant addition to the local area.

For further insights into the Marimo Coffee Shop, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, exploring the full project presentation is encouraged. These elements provide a deeper understanding of the innovative ideas that shaped this architectural endeavor.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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